Donors have until Monday to bring toys to Free Press, Salvation Army

From left, Kay Perry and June Wyckoff place toys under The Free Press’ Christmas tree, toys donated for ‘Operation Community Christmas’ which is organized by The Free Press and The Salvation Army. Perry and Wyckoff, plus their sisters Mattie Newsom, Carol Davis, Linda Tyndall, Burma Howell, Daphney Hoy, Rita Herring and Deb Stroud of Kinston, Deep Run and Seven Springs, bought toys to donate instead of buying Christmas presents for each other this year.

Zach Frailey / The Free Press

By David Anderson / Staff Writer

Published: Wednesday, December 12, 2012 at 10:45 PM.

While organizers of “Operation Community Christmas” are thankful for those who have already contributed to this year’s annual Christmas toy drive, more people are needed to step up to ensure a merry Christmas for as many children as possible.

The Free Press and The Salvation Army’s Kinston Corps kicked off their 20th annual “Operation Community Christmas” in late November.

Monday is the final day to drop off a toy at either The Free Press or the Salvation Army’s respective offices at 2103 N. Queen St. or 2110 N. Queen St.

About 1,700 local children received two toys each after last year’s toy drive, and Salvation Army Maj. Robin Starr expected the same number will receive gifts this year, based on the families which have signed up so far.

“We still need a lot (more toys),” Starr said.

Families apply to The Salvation Army for Christmas assistance each year, and they will be able to walk through The Salvation Army’s Kinston gymnasium next Wednesday and Thursday and pick out toys.

While organizers of “Operation Community Christmas” are thankful for those who have already contributed to this year’s annual Christmas toy drive, more people are needed to step up to ensure a merry Christmas for as many children as possible.

The Free Press and The Salvation Army’s Kinston Corps kicked off their 20th annual “Operation Community Christmas” in late November.

Monday is the final day to drop off a toy at either The Free Press or the Salvation Army’s respective offices at 2103 N. Queen St. or 2110 N. Queen St.

About 1,700 local children received two toys each after last year’s toy drive, and Salvation Army Maj. Robin Starr expected the same number will receive gifts this year, based on the families which have signed up so far.

“We still need a lot (more toys),” Starr said.

Families apply to The Salvation Army for Christmas assistance each year, and they will be able to walk through The Salvation Army’s Kinston gymnasium next Wednesday and Thursday and pick out toys.

Dec. 21 is a make-up day to apply for assistance, Starr said.

The Salvation Army purchases a portion of toys for the drive, but Starr encouraged the community to continue to pitch in.

“If we can get one to two toys donated per child they’ll get three to four toys (total),” he said.

Billy Moore of The Free Press, the longtime chairman of “Operation Community Christmas,” encouraged more people to bring toys to the newspaper’s offices as well — toys brought to The Free Press go under a Christmas tree in the customer service area.

“We need civic groups and the churches and our readers to please bring the toys by as soon as possible,” Moore said.

He said “there is a bigger need than ever” because of the state of the local and national economy.

“We certainly want to thank those who have already donated toys,” Moore continued.

Local residents can also make monetary contributions, and either mail them or bring them to The Free Press. Moore said financial donations can be made through next Thursday.

Members of the community can also adopt a specific child by visiting The Salvation Army and choosing a name from the Angel Tree.